One of the fastest rising juniors in the state of Ohio right now is Pickerington North product Godwin Igwebuike. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound running back/defensive back prospect is having a monster junior season for North after sitting out his sophomore year following a transfer from nearby Pickerington Central. Though Igwebuike may not have been a well known name heading into the season, that is changing in a big way as colleges begin to learn more about the talented prospect.

"Toledo and Bowling Green are showing a lot of interest," explained Igwebuike. "Purdue also came by the school like two weeks ago."

Notre Dame was the latest school to make its presence felt as coaches stopped by North on Tuesday morning to inquire about the athletic two-way player. Igwebuike has also received interest from Ohio State and he was on campus two weeks ago on an unofficial visit.

"I was at Ohio State last week (for the Michigan State game)," he said. "It was great. It was nice to see everything up close, it was a good experience. I actually got there at the beginning of the first quarter so I missed talking to the coaches and stuff. I heard that coach (Greg) Gillum was looking for me after the game but I didn't get a chance to talk to him."

So far through seven games, Igwebuike has put up some huge numbers for North. Igwebuike has rushed for 643 yards and 6 touchdowns on just 79 carries and has also added 140 yards receiving with a touchdown on eight receptions. Igwebuike's contributions have also been significant on defense where he has recorded 19 tackles and four interceptions.

Some may be surprised by that level of production after having to sit an entire season but Igwebuike spent the last year training and preparing for his chance to make things happen this fall.

"It was real tough (sitting out last year)," he said. "I got to practice with the team last year and study the game and I just worked hard all off-season."

Igwebuike and Pickerington North are currently sitting at 5-2 on the season and will need a strong finish to the season in order to secure a playoff berth.

"We just need to go back to work and practice hard," he said. "Practice makes perfect and we just need to be a lot more focused and come out strong and come out with intensity."